Nick Markakis was eager to play in 2020, even after the season shrank to 60 games in part due to the novel coronavirus pandemic. Then teammate Freddie Freeman tested positive for the virus. After a conversation with the star first baseman, who is battling symptoms of COVID-19, Markakis opted against playing.
“Just hearing the way he sounded on the phone kind of opened my eyes,” he told reporters on Monday. “Freddie didn’t sound good.”
Markakis is the ninth major leaguer to opt out, joining a list that includes Ryan Zimmerman, David Price and Ian Desmond.